Reasons and incentives are the starting point for any activity a person undertakes. Travel requires reasons that stir a sense of excitement and engagement within the mind, drawing one toward a favourite destination. As for the reasons to travel to Muscat they are many, and below we have tried to highlight the most important of them, such as the adventures that can be had in Oman — the most notable of which may be visiting Majlis al-Jinn Cave with its millions of years of history — as well as the awe-inspiring natural phenomena such as Wadi Bani Khalil and the Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve, home to endangered green turtles.
Diverse Natural Phenomena and the Khareef of Salalah
Oman’s breathtaking nature, with its diverse phenomena, is the main reason most tourists are drawn to Oman.
The valleys, mountains, beaches, and stunning orchards filled with various fruit trees — rarely cultivated in other Arab countries — have made Oman a green jewel in the Middle East.
Oman’s valleys, adorned with pools of water in shades of green and turquoise that are perfect for swimming and relaxation beneath towering palm trees, are among the most magnificent natural phenomena in Oman. The Khareef of Salalah can be considered one of the rarest natural phenomena in Oman and the Middle East.
The Khareef of Salalah begins in late June each year and continues through September. The Khareef of Salalah is considered a living miracle that transforms the barren desert into a fertile, green, and stunning region due to the seasonal rains that fall throughout the days of this season.
Oman’s Rich Folk Culture
Oman’s rich and deep-rooted folk culture, with its captivating characteristics, is another reason that calls you to travel. Omani traditional dress culture may be more distinctive compared to dress in other Arab countries.
The Omani kummah for men, which is wrapped with precision and skill, and the Omani khanjar with its beautiful and varied engravings, tell a story of a history filled with pride and brimming with courage. As for women’s clothing, it is a testament to the vitality, energy, and diversity of Omani culture. The colourful garments and traditional accessories — such as henna, which is prepared and applied according to special rituals — as well as traditional jewellery, are among the features that add to the appeal of life in Oman.
The craft of fashioning rings, khanjar daggers, and ornaments from silver is another distinction for which Oman is renowned. The popular markets of Oman, such as Mutrah Souq, Nizwa Souq, the Gold Souq, Bahla Souq, Rustaq Souq, and the Craftsmen’s Souq, are among the most beautiful markets that introduce you to traditional Omani culture.
Oman: An Ideal Destination for Relaxation and Tranquillity
If you wish to travel to a destination where you can escape the hustle and noise of modern life and enjoy the finest moments of relaxation and tranquillity, then Oman is your ideal destination.
One of the noteworthy features regarding the tranquillity of Oman’s cities is that many shops close early at night, which lends the city an atmosphere of silence and calm.
The silence that envelops most of Oman’s natural destinations — especially the valleys — multiplies the pleasure of relaxing in the shade of palm trees and beside the water pools. Wahiba Sands is another destination that offers peace and serenity to the visitor.
The stunning terraced farms of Jebel Akhdar multiply the pleasure of walking and the feeling of vitality and energy while climbing, thanks to their magical and fragrant scents. The opportunity to visit rural villages and discover local customs helps one experience new atmospheres that bring a person back to simplicity and warmth.
Delicious Omani Food and Its Unique Cooking Methods
Another characteristic that must be mentioned is the delicious Omani cuisine.
What distinguishes this food is the remarkable role that nature plays in its preparation. Rice can perhaps be considered the centrepiece of the Omani table, as it is typically served every day, but what sets it apart from one day to the next is the varied cooking methods and the spices added to it.
The Omani shuwa dish is the most famous and most delicious of Omani dishes. Lamb that has been marinated in spices — which vary from one region to another in Oman — is cooked for several hours in an underground oven (a pit dug in the ground) over burning embers, then covered with palm fronds or banana leaves. It is best for the meat to remain in the oven for two full nights in order to cook thoroughly.
Al-Madhbi on hot stones is also one of the most delicious Omani dishes; in this dish, the meat is grilled on stones placed over glowing embers. Al-Farfina, al-Arsia, al-Salona, Omani Maajin, al-Koten, and Makbous are among the most delicious Omani foods that must be tried when visiting Oman.
Omani Hospitality
Although generosity and hospitality are among the most famous traits that distinguish Arabs, you can experience the highest levels of generosity among Omanis. This may be the result of the Omani people’s preservation of their folk culture in the face of the modern developments witnessed by most countries of the Middle East.
It rarely happens that an Omani sees you in the market or on the road without inviting you to visit their home for a cup of coffee or a meal. This characteristic is even more evident in rural Oman, where Omanis invite you to taste the finest fruits of their orchards, such as bananas, pears, and grapes.
The opportunity to drink Arabic coffee with its Omani flavour, fragrant with cardamom, is an experience not to be missed in Oman.
Experiencing the Strangest Adventures and Activities in Oman
There are many activities in Oman that are considered unparalleled adventures. Entering Majlis al-Jinn Cave may be one of the strangest adventures in Oman.
Majlis al-Jinn Cave, also known as Salma Cave, which dates back millions of years with its diverse geological formations and varied geometric shapes, and its three openings that bring in light and create extraordinary shadow figures, is one of the adventures that can be experienced in Oman.
Visiting Ras al-Jinz Reserve and witnessing the nesting of endangered green turtles, as well as swimming in Hawiyat Najm — the pool believed to have formed in the ground following the impact of a meteorite from the sky — are among the most beautiful adventures in Oman.
Enjoying relaxation and contemplation while gazing at thousands of glittering stars in Wahiba Sands, after a meal of Omani grilled food, is one of the other most beautiful adventures that can be undertaken in Oman.
Historic Forts and Castles with Their Diverse Architecture
The forts and castles of Oman are the most famous historical landmarks that have drawn many tourists to this country. These forts, which have retained their structure and continued to stand proudly with their unique architecture in the face of the passage of time, tell of important aspects of Omani culture, including building culture and architecture, as well as the lifestyle of the princes and sultans of this land.
Among the most notable features of these forts — some of which have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List — is that they contain artefacts dating back centuries, such as Russian and German cannons and weapons that were used to defend the homeland, as well as important information about Omani anthropology and the cultural customs associated with Oman throughout the ages, conveyed through human mannequins.
The ruins of the city of Al-Baleed, whose construction dates back to the twelfth century AD in the Dhofar Governorate, are another historical destination favoured by tourists. Bahla Fort, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Nizwa Fort, and Rustaq Fort — built on the remains of a tower left over from Persian civilisation — are among the most beautiful forts recommended for a visit in Oman.
Oman: One of the Cleanest Countries in the World
Oman is renowned as one of the cleanest natural destinations in the Middle East.
In addition to the stunning nature and air that have made Oman’s climate a reason to attract many tourists, Omanis also place great importance on the cleanliness of streets and markets, and all laws related to cleanliness are enforced by the authorities.
For more official information about the Sultanate’s attractions, you can refer to the website of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman.